Pizzeria Bianco has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Chef Bianco is a legend and his menu has been praised for over two decades. So, last year, when I received a notification saying Chris Bianco (you must follow him) had started following me on Instagram….I didn’t believe it. My initial reaction was that one of his employees must handle his social media. Regardless, I immediately followed back. A few weeks go by and I receive a message from Mr Bianco, “nice work with the Baking Steel, Andris.” Holy shit. It was the man himself. After a few more Instagram messages, I sent him out a Baking Steel.

A few weeks later, I open up my Instagram feed and there it was… Chris Bianco had posted a picture of the Baking Steel on his feed. His verdict? He loved it. He even offered the technique he used with his Baking Steel, after a good pre-heat, he turned the broiler on for the first two minutes and then switched back to bake for the remaining 4 minutes. This maximizes the oven spring. We’re calling this the Bianco Method, we’ll follow up some testing next week.

So, when I found myself in Arizona last week, there was no way I could pass up the opportunity to experience Pizzeria Bianco. My wife and I booked the trip this past winter, during one of the many hundred blizzards we endured here in New England. At the time, spending a few days in the desert sounded like paradise.

They do not accept reservations at Mr. Bianco’s flagship restaurant, Pizzeria Bianco, so we made sure to arrive early. I took a photo when we got there and posted it on my Instagram. Chef messaged me and said he was at the Town and Country location. Big bummer, but I was still excited to try out the menu. While we waited for our table, we were invited next door for a drink. The staff at Pizzeria Bianco was so welcoming and the service was out of this world. We visited another location two days later. A different location and still an extraordinary staff. Members of his team are a huge reflection of his Mr. Bianco's food. Both are beautiful.

As for our dinner…. hands down the best pizza I have ever consumed. Mr. Bianco's pizza is now ranked number 1 in the world, according to both my sons. But they give my pizza a close second. I'm in good company...

The bread, simply out of this world. Dabbing a lot of this stuff in olive oil.

My son pretty much demolished the entire Margherita himself. I was able to grab a slice, wow. And the Verde is so damn good.

My son Cooper enjoying a slice.

We wanted to taste as much as possible. My wife and I combined the Rosa and the Wiseguy. Both were out of this world.

Pizza Margherita absolutely perfect. As was this night.

This was supposed to make it back to the hotel for my wife. Unfortunately, we both devoured it and had to order another for take out. I'm not much of a dessert person, that all changed this night.

Cooper wouldn't share these with me, he ate every single one.

You may recognize this beautiful painting. Chef's Bianco's dad created this photo and is on every can of Bianco DiNapoli tomatoes. Get some.